Patriots face Lely on Saturday night

Drake LaMont will lead American Heritage against Naples Lely, with a berth… (Michael Laughlin / Sun Sentinel )

February 22, 2013|By Melinda Waldrop, Correspondent

American Heritage's first trip to the Class 5A state tournament in school history wasn't exactly the stuff memories are made of, as a young Patriots team featuring two freshmen and three sophomores was given a 75-44 boot by Lake Wales in the semifinals.

The Patriots hope another year of experience means a better showing in this year's semis - but first things first.

American Heritage (21-6) takes on Lely (20-10) on Saturday night for the right to go into the semifinals as the region champion.

"It's going to be the biggest game we've had all season," junior forward Drake Lamont said.

Lamont had 14 points and 16 rebounds as the Patriots held off Dillard, 64-62, in Tuesday's regional semifinal. The game was an emotional one for the Patriots, who were dealing with the death of Heritage student Andrea Lucas, 18, on Monday of complications from cystic fibrosis.

"The school's getting a little bit better, a little more positive every day," Patriots coach Charlie Stephenson said. "[Wednesday] was a little bit better than Tuesday, and [Thursday] seems to be a bit better, but everyone still has a heavy heart."

The emotion translated into a raucous crowd at Heritage's Delray campus. Tuesday's game was played there to meet state seating requirements, and Saturday's game will be there as well.

"We'll be ready to go," Stephenson said. "They're extremely excited. We understand the opportunity. We understand what's at stake."

Last year's historic state semifinal trip came after the Patriots collected both district and regional crowns. American Heritage has already won its second straight district title.

Stephenson wasn't sure his team would find itself back in this position after star point guard Keyshawn Evans tore his ACL just seven games into his sophomore season.

"Everybody was extremely disappointed, [but] our guys have played a tremendous amount of basketball," Stephenson said. "They understand injury is part of the game. They just stepped up."

Juniors Justin and Jason Massey have helped out in the backcourt, while sophomore Josh Borders, a shooting guard last year, "has done a tremendous job running the team," Stephenson said.

Lely is led by 6-foot-3 Nick Talko, who averages 17.7 points per game, but Stephenson expects his team to have an overall height advantage.

"We're excited about playing" on Saturday and beyond, Stephenson said. "We hope this time we go to state and won't get blown out. Hopefully this year, we'll be stronger and more prepared."